Photo Voltaic Movie

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Wind Turbine Movie

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Solar Thermal Movie

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Photovoltaic

PV remote displayAlpha Renewables are suppliers and installers of photovoltaic systems ranging from 1kW upwards.

We install for homes, farms, schools and commercial properties. We design both on grid and off grid applications (where the energy is stored in battery banks). The PV modules can be mounted in several different ways and we will ensure that you have a system which is the most cost and energy efficient system possible.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity from the sun. They typically comprise of an array of PV modules ("solar panels") which are usually roof mounted and connected to inverters. These convert the DC electricity generated to AC power suitable for use within the building. Excess electricity which is not used can be exported back to the grid or stored in battery banks.

Although a PV system may appear simple, with few moving parts, compact components and little noise, there are in fact a number of complex technologies involved in even the smallest system. All of them need to be designed, specified and installed correctly to perform optimally.

Photovoltaic (PV) PanelsPhotovoltaic panels consist of a number of silicon semiconductors sandwiched together between very thin transparent wires that, when exposed to certain frequencies of light, experience a voltage differential from one side to the other. The cells in each panel are connected together in such a way that when the cables from the panel are formed into a circuit, a electrical current can flow between them. In order to be connected to the grid the 'constant' electrical (DC) current needs to be converted to a wavelike current (AC). This is achieved by connecting an inverter into the circuit, which takes in DC power from one circuit and converts to AC power. Inverters often have additional tasks to perform, such as optimising the PV cells performance and protecting the equipment from electrical faults on the electricity network. The power generated by the PV system can be used to power lighting and all other electrical appliances. When more energy is being generated than is being used on site, the excess will be exported onto the grid (or stored in the backup batteries for off grid systems).

PV panels can either be mounted in frames above roofs (which is the most common), or building integrated where they form part of the roof structure. They can also be ground mounted either fixed, or on a tracker system which can follow the sun. If roof mounted they need to be south east to south west facing with little or no shading.

Photovoltaic systems are the most versatile application of renewable energy particularly in urban environments.

We will help you decide on which of the wide range of modules available is right for you, taking into consideration price, quality, warranty, power tolerances and energy production.

Alpha Renewables source all PV equipment from the best available. We have researched all manufacturers throughout Europe (where this technology has been proven for over a decade) thus ensuring a first class installation with stringent standards, declarations of conformity and backup for all components.